Breed Specific: The Sassy Chihuahua

Pikes Peak Vet wants you to know all about this sweet and feisty breed.

Personality: Chihuahuas

the smallest of the breeds, possess loyalty, charm and a big-dog attitude. Even tiny dogs require training and without it, this clever dog will rule your household. Compact and confident, the chihuahua is the ideal city pet. They are too small for roughhousing with kids and special care must be taken in cold weather. They dislike being left alone and inclined to bark and be wary of strangers, but chihuahuas are generally adaptable as long as they get quality time in their preferred lap.

Males & Females – Height: 5-8 inches       Weight: not over 6 pounds

Feeding/Treats/Weight: Discuss a diet for your Chihuahua with your veterinarian. Treats can be an important training aid, but giving too many can lead to obesity. Dental treats may be a good option as the Chihuahua is prone to dental disease. Give table scraps sparingly, if at all, especially avoiding cooked bones and foods with high fat content.

Grooming: Smooth-coat Chihuahuas need only occasional brushing and regular baths to look dapper.The long-haired variety should have their coats brushed at least once a week to avoid tangles or mats. Nails should be trimmed regularly. Good dental care is crucial, including daily tooth brushing. Check their ears and remove excess wax or debris to avoid infections.

Exercise: Chihuahuas love to run and play. Simply trotting around and following their people usually gives this happy breed enough exercise. Short, slow walks will keep your dog at a good weight and condition. Avoid overexerting the Chihuahua. If your dog is panting and working hard to keep up, it’s time to carry him home.

Training: Chihuahuas are alert little dogs of high intelligence. Eager to please their humans, they respond well to positive training practices. They seem well aware of how cute they are and learn how to get their way. From the very beginning, you must enforce the fact that you are in charge. Never allow your Chihuahua puppy to do anything that will be unacceptable in an adult. A firm but gentle hand is necessary in obedience training and other canine sports in which they can excel.

Thank you to the AKC’s Chihuahua Pages and Every Dog by Nancy Hajeski for most of this information. Image by lenestrand85 from Pixabay

BASIC FACTS

Over the Chihuahua’s 14-16 expected years, you and your vet will create a health plan to evaluate and catch any conditions that may arise.

MEDICAL CONCERNS

• Heart issues
• Eye disease
• Knee issues
• Dental disease

Pikes Peak Vet has the goal of healthy longevity for your Chihuahua.

Wellness Exams and Vaccinations

• Every 6-12 months until age 6, as advised by your veterinarian, full physical exam including routine bloodwork
• Pets age faster than us and tend to hide symptoms. At age 6, we recommend routine exams and bloodwork every 6 months to catch anything unexpected before it gets too firm a hold.

Other Exams and Screenings

• Chest x-ray
• Regular eye exams
• Patella exam plus x-rays
• Annual dental cleanings

Reach out for more information by phone or text at 719-475-1747, or through our Pikes Peak Vet app!